JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A team of runners is using a premier race on the First Coast to raise money for cystic fibrosis.

Team Courtney plans on starting Saturday's Gate River Run 15K in last place, behind several thousand people.

Then, team members will donate one penny for every person they pass until they reach the finish line.

All the donations will go to the North Florida Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

"Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening illness, and it can lead to extended hospitalizations, chronic lung infections, and our goal is to extend the lives and the quality of lives of people suffering from cystic fibrosis," said Courtney's father Steve Starr.

Starr started the team mission a few years ago, which he said has been growing.

This year's fundraising goal is $20,000.

He said, "Some people do the pennies. Others do a flat donation."

Nearly all of the money stays in the region and will be dedicated to CF research and treatment with the hope of someday finding a cure.

The Gate River Run kicks off around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. It is called the country's largest 15K.